There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information,
visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

Description

This is a Bata Cubana, or Cuban Rumba dress, donated to the Smithsonian by Celia Cruz, the great Cuban salsa singer in 1997. An adaptation of the traditional Cuban rumba dress, it was made in the United States by Cuban-born designer José Arteaga. The Bata Cubana has its roots in the 19th century, with origins as diverse as the multicultural makeup of the people of Cuba. It brings together influences from Spanish, French, and African culture and dress, combining theater, fiesta, and the spectacle of carnival with slave and gypsy dress. The Bata Cubana is a garment worn for performance on stage or cabaret. Celia Cruz's Bata Cubana is made of orange polyester satin, trimmed with white nylon eyelet along ruffle-edges and eyelet beading along seams with inserted orange ribbon. The Bata Cubana was Celia's preferred performance costume.

Comments

Add a comment about this object

Your name *

E-mail *

Personal information will not be shared or result in unsolicited email. See our privacy policy.

Before submitting a question, please visit Frequently Asked Questions. If you have something to share that would enrich our knowledge about this object, use the form below. After review, selected comments will appear on this page.

Please note that we generally cannot answer questions about the history, rarity, or value of your personal artifacts.